The U.S. Coast Guard has updated its uniform regulations to include revised standards for women’s hairstyles, a move celebrated across the service. This update now permits women to wear their hair in one or two braids or a single ponytail, offering more flexibility and comfort while maintaining professional appearance and safety standards.
This change comes after a thorough review by the Coast Guard’s Uniform Board, which considered similar updates made by other branches of the military. Rear Admiral Joanna Nunan highlighted the positive impact, noting that this revision aims to alleviate the discomfort and potential hair damage associated with previously mandated hairstyles requiring tight buns and numerous pins. The new regulations are designed to be more practical and considerate of the daily experiences of women in the Coast Guard.
Key Changes to Women’s Hair Regulations
The updated guidelines specify several conditions for wearing braids and ponytails to ensure uniformity and professionalism within the Coast Guard.
- Bulk and Centering: Whether choosing a single braid or ponytail, the hairstyle’s bulk should not extend wider than the wearer’s head. A single braid or ponytail must be centered at the back of the head, prohibiting side styles.
- Symmetry for Two Braids: For those opting for two braids, they must be evenly spaced and symmetrical when viewed from the back, maintaining a neat and orderly appearance.
- Length Restrictions: When styled in a braid or ponytail, the hair’s length should not extend below a horizontal line centered between the shoulder blades. This length restriction is in place to ensure the hairstyle remains practical and does not interfere with duties or safety.
Exceptions and Safety Protocols
While these new options provide greater flexibility, certain operational environments necessitate stricter hair regulations for safety reasons. In situations involving hazardous machinery, power transmission equipment, rotary equipment, moving parts, hazardous chemicals, or flames, hair must continue to be pulled back more securely to prevent accidents. Additionally, hairstyles must not obstruct vision in any circumstances. Coast Guard personnel are advised to consult with their command if they have any doubts regarding hair regulations in specific work environments, emphasizing that safety remains paramount.
Further Uniform Regulation Updates
Beyond the changes to women’s hairstyles, the Coast Guard Uniform Board also approved several other modifications to uniform policy. These include:
- Windbreaker Authorization: The windbreaker can now be worn in place of the Service Dress Blue (SDB) jacket during transit to formal events, with the SDB jacket to be donned upon arrival.
- Dress Shirt Modernization: The current light blue dress shirt will be replaced with a new Air Force Herringbone material shirt. Female dress shirts will also be redesigned to remove pockets, aligning with the current Air Force design.
- Air Force Skirt for Tropics: The Air Force skirt is now authorized for wear with the Tropical Blue Long Sleeve uniform (Trops), but it is not authorized with the SDB uniform due to a slight color variation.
- Coyote Ball Cap Rank Insignia: Members authorized to wear the Coyote colored ball cap with the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type III are now permitted to wear subdued rank insignia on the cap.
For complete details on these updates and all uniform regulations, Coast Guard personnel are directed to section 2.B of the Coast Guard Uniform Regulations Manual COMDTINST 1020.6L (Grooming Standards). These changes reflect the Coast Guard’s commitment to modernizing its policies, enhancing inclusivity, and ensuring the well-being and comfort of its members while upholding professional standards.
